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Deacon Formation Program
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This webpage introduces the Deacon Formation
Program for our diocese. Here you will find answers to the most
frequently asked questions, links to the formation
calendar, and specific information about the
three phases of formation: Inquiry,
Aspirancy, and Candidacy. You are also able to access specific information about the components of the formation program. If you have any questions or comments, please contact the Director of Deacon Formation.
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Table of Contents
Are You Being Called to the Diaconate?
We are hoping to begin the inquiry process for Class VII in the summer of 2010.
Because Year 1 in the diocese’s Ministry Formation Program is a prerequisite for deacon formation, those men who are at all interested in the diaconate, or are even questioning the possibility that God might be calling them to this ministry in the Church, need to enroll in the Ministry Formation Program for this fall. Otherwise, they risk not having the needed requirements for admission. For questions concerning the Ministry Formation Program, please contact IlaMae Hanisch at 641-791-3435. For questions concerning deacon formation please contact Deacon Frank Agnoli at 563-324-1912 x255.
What is "discernment"?
Maybe it is easier to begin by saying what discernment is not! It is not an event, though there may be times when we are more intentional about discernment--especially when it comes to questions of vocation--than others. It is not decision-making, though discernment often includes a decision. Discernment, rather, is learning to listen with the ears of our hearts. Discernment is a way of life--to which every Christian is called.
Discernment is about relationship: about acknowledging God's presence in our individual and communal histories, about recognizing God's presence in our daily lives, and about trusting in God's abiding presence into the future.
There are times, however, when we need to enter into a process of more intentional discernment against the "background" of being attentive to God's presence. In those times, David Lonsdale ("What is Discernment" in Praying, Nov-Dec 1993, pp.34-36) mentions that we need to pay particular attention to:
What is "formation"?
Formation refers to a gradual and ongoing process of transformation into the pattern of Christ and his ministry. Formation is marked by:
Information from the St. John's University School of Theology & Seminary Spiritual Formation Program, the Saint Paul Seminary School of Divinity, and the Vincentian Institute of Pastoral Studies.
Who decides what formation involves?
The guiding document for the formation of deacons is the National Directory for the Formation, Ministry, and Life of Permanent Deacons in the United States. Published by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops in 2005, it may be accessed on their website by clicking here.
There are three phases to the Deacon Formation Program: Inquiry, Aspirancy, and Candidacy. They are described in more detail below.
The Directory calls for a comprehensive program of formation addressing four key areas: the Human, the Spiritual, the Intellectual, and the Pastoral.
Would you say some more about these four areas of formation?
According to the National Directory:
Human formation refers to growth in the human virtues, in the capacity to relate to others, in affective or emotional maturity (including psychosexual maturity and health), and in the ongoing formation of one's conscience (§108)--in order to help the minister be a bridge rather than an obstacle for others in their encounter with Christ (§109). "The first goal of spiritual formation is the establishment and nourishment of attitudes, habits, and practices that will set the foundation for a lifetime of ongoing spiritual discipline" (§110).
Spiritual formation is focused on assisting the candidate to be rooted in the attitudes and example of Christ the Servant, for that is to whom he will be configured sacramentally at ordination (§112).
Intellectual formation focuses on imparting to the candidate a "complete and serious" knowledge of the faith and the Church's tradition in order to help make him a more effective minister, a reliable witness and truthful spokesman for the Church and the Church's teaching (§118).
In baptism, all are called to share in the priestly, prophetic, and royal (servant-leadership) offices of Christ. The pastoral dimension in diaconal formation builds on the many ways the candidate has already lived his baptismal call to holiness and seeks to help the candidate develop those capacities and skills necessary for diaconal ministry. The National Directory specifically names the following skills: "how to proclaim the Christian message and teach it, how to lead others in communal celebrations of liturgical prayer, and how to witness to the Church in a Christian service marked by charity and justice" (§127). Likewise, the National Directory highlights the following qualities: "a spirit of pastoral responsibility and servant-leadership; generosity and perseverance; creativity; respect for ecclesial communion; and filial obedience to the bishop" (§127).
Who is in charge of formation? Who decides who gets to be a deacon?
The Director of Deacon Formation is Deacon Frank Agnoli. He may be reached at 563-324-1912 x255 or agnoli@davenportdiocese.org.
In addition, a whole team of individuals is involved in formation: In addition to Deacon Agnoli, Deacons Bob McCoy and David Montgomery -- and their wives -- form the core Deacon Formation Team. Father Marty Goetz, Vocations Director for the diocese, serves as our spiritual director. In addition, mentors, spiritual directors, and faculty presenters -- as well as the applicant's pastor, parish, and family -- are key members of the formation process.
The Director and the Admissions and Scrutinies Committee advise the bishop regarding admission into and continuation in the Deacon Formation Program. The final decisions, however, are his.
What are you looking for in possible future deacons?
Here are the basic qualifications that we are looking for in men discerning a call to the diaconate:
I think I am being called to the diaconate. What do I need to do?
First of all, make sure -- if you are married -- that you have talked about this with your wife (and family). Second, you will want to have a conversation with your pastor, since he will be an important part of the discernment and formation process.
If you have not completed Year I in the two-year basic Ministry Formation Program, you will need to do so before admission into Candidacy. Please contact IlaMae Hanisch (641-791-3435; on Wednesdays: 563-324-1912 x271) as soon as possible to find out more about this program. You can also visit their webpage for more information.
Take a look at the information posted under "Inquiry" below.
And, finally, please contact the Director of Deacon Formation (or 563-324-1912 x255) with any questions you might have and to talk more about the application process.
Click the links below to access calendars for the specific year of formation. The topics, times, and locations for meetings are listed.
During the Year of Inquiry, men and their families begin to more intentionally explore the possibility of a call to the diaconate. Just as the possible applicants begin to get to know the Church and the diaconate in a more specific way, so, too, does the Church begin to get to know these men. Here are some resources that those interested in exploring the diaconate might find helpful:
Click here for specific information regarding Class VI and Class VII.
Click here for specific information regarding Class VI.
According to the National Directory, the "Candidate path in diaconal formation is the occasion for continued discernment of a diaconal vocation and immediate preparation for ordination" (§204). The study of theology and related topics becomes a central part of the four-years of Candidacy. Pastoral field placement, parish ministry, and meetings with one's mentor and spiritual director continue.
Click here for specific information regarding Class VI.
Academics
While the focus of Aspirancy is on spiritual development and discernment, this does not mean that the intellectual side of formation is ignored. Aspirants will be introduced to the skills required for theological study, to the process of theological reflection, and to a basic presentation of philosophy needed for understanding theology.
During
Candidacy, significant attention is paid to the academic study of
theology. We are happy to announce that the
Department of Theology at
St. Ambrose
University will serve as our faculty and that candidates (and their
spouses) will have the option of enrolling in the
Masters of Pastoral Theology degree program as part deacon
formation. Those intending to earn the degree must meet acceptance,
continuation, and degree
requirements specified by the University and Department. Candidates will participate in a Homiletics Intensive at St. Meinrad School of Theology and Seminary in the summer between the third and fourth year of Candidacy.
Evaluations
Discernment is a two-way street. Just as the aspirant and candidate are getting to learn more about themselves, the Church, and the diaconal vocation, the Church--through the formation team--is getting to know more about them. Throughout formation, there will be regular evaluations sought from pastors, parish councils, mentors, and field placement supervisors--as well as formal psychological testing of the applicant (and his wife) during Aspirancy. In addition, the Director of Formation will conduct annual interviews with applicants and their wives--and the Admissions and Scrutinies Committee (made up of representatives from across the diocese, lay and ordained, married and vowed religious, men and women) will also conduct annual interviews and/or reviews. The Bishop will also interview applicants and their wives before Candidacy, Installation to the Ministry of Lector, and Ordination (at the end of Aspirancy, Candidacy Year 2, and Candidacy Year 4). At the end of each year, a recommendation for continuation or dismissal will be made to the Bishop, who makes the final decision.
Liturgical Ministries
Throughout formation, aspirants and candidates will be asked to exercise--in turn--specific liturgical ministries in their parishes: usher/greeter, sacristan, altar server, reader/lector, and Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion.
Mentors
Throughout the year of Aspirancy and the four years of Candidacy, those enrolled in the Deacon Formation Program (and their wives) will meet monthly with a deacon-mentor (and his wife). "The mentor is charged with following the formation of those committed to his care, offering support and encouragement" (National Directory, §280).
Pastoral Field Education
Regular participation in pastoral ministry outside of the parish setting is an important component of deacon formation. Aspirants begin with an introductory exposure to pastoral ministry, while candidates--as they progress through the program--are assigned to more challenging and varied settings.
Retreats and Liturgical Rites
Summers in the formation program are marked by required retreats (usually in June) and the celebration of particular liturgical rites (usually in July), such as the Rite of Admission to Candidacy, Installation into the Ministries of Lector and Acolyte, and Ordination.
Spanish Language Intensive
During some point in their formation, Aspirants and Candidates will have the opportunity to learn the basics, or expand their mastery, of pastoral Spanish.
Spiritual Direction
Aspirants and candidates will also meet monthly with a priest-spiritual director, who will assist him with vocational discernment and developing his life of prayer. The conversations between the director and the aspirant or candidate are strictly confidential.
Click here for a helpful spiritual direction tool, courtesy of Trish Gallagher.
According to the Directory, “[t]he goal for
this path in formation is to responsibly address the various aspects of
a deacon’s ministry, the development of his personality and, above all,
his commitment to spiritual growth” (#239). This phase of formation is
divided into two parts: the initial three years after ordination and
life-long formation.
Domestic Violence Resources
In their 2002 Document, When I Call for Help: A Pastoral Response to Domestic Violence Against Women, the US Bishops unequivocally condemned domestic violence and called upon the Church to reach out to victim and perpetrator alike. Click on the links and see what your parish can do....
Hotline Phone Number (IA) Poster - English Hotline Phone Number (IA) Poster - Spanish These can be printed out and put in the women's washroom... where a victim can take the number without being observed by her abuser.
A full page insert in Spanish and English.
Short quotes that can be reproduced inside your bulletin.
The Domestic Violence "Power and Control Wheel" A visual aid in understanding what can constitute domestic violence.
"FaithTrust Institute is an international, multifaith organization working to end sexual and domestic violence. We provide communities and advocates with the tools and knowledge they need to address the religious and cultural issues related to abuse. FaithTrust Institute works with many communities, including Asian and Pacific Islander, Buddhist, Jewish, Latino/a, Muslim, Black, Anglo, Indigenous, Protestant and Roman Catholic."
Liturgy of the Hours
Resources at the Federation of Diocesan Liturgical Commissions website.
General Instruction of the Liturgy of the Hours Found on the EWTN website.
Information on the Liturgical Calendar can be found on the Liturgy Events webpage.
Summary Table: How to Pray the Liturgy of the Hours (Black and White version)
Planning Sheet for Morning Prayer: Version 1 Word Version 1 PDF Version 2 Word Version 2 PDF
Planning Sheet for Evening Prayer: Version 1 Word Version 1 PDF Version 2 Word Version 2 PDF
Liturgy of the Hours Apostolate This website offers daily Liturgy of the Hours in Adobe Acrobat formats that print as booklets, display on PCs and mobile devices, and 'Read Out Loud' on PCs.
This
website contains the daily Liturgy of the Hours in written and audio
(mp3) formats; the audio files may be streamed or downloaded. Simple Way Limited Partnership and Lay Apostolate Resources for praying the Liturgy of the Hours available for download and purchase, including the liturgical calendar and a tutorial on the LOH.
Safe Environment Program & VIRTUS
Use these links to access information about the Diocesan Safe Environment Program or the VIRTUS Website.
USCCB Committee on Doctrine: Evaluation of Reiki as an Alternative Therapy
Document from the US Bishops cautioning on the dangers of using Reiki Therapy, concluding: "Since Reiki therapy is not compatible with either Christian teaching or scientific evidence, it would be inappropriate for Catholic institutions, such as Catholic health care facilities and retreat centers, or persons representing the Church, such as Catholic chaplains, to promote or to provide support for Reiki therapy."
The following links are provided as a service to those who are engaged in Diaconal ministry or formation. The diocese is not responsible for their content, and does not necessarily agree with the material found or opinions expressed on those sites. Some of the sites are explicitly Catholic; others are not. Please report any concerns or broken links to the webmaster.
The following links provide help in properly citing references, according to a variety of methods:
These links are from Purdue University's Online Writing Lab:
American Psychological Association (APA)
Documenting Electronic Resources
Modern Language Association (MLA)
These links are from the University of Wisconsin-Madison's Writing Center:
Motu proprio of John Paul II (5/18/98) making changes to the 1983 Code of Canon Law.
Code of Canon Law - Great Britain
Information:
Access to Catholic Social Justice Teaching
Office for Social Justice Home Page (Archdiocese of Minneapolis-St. Paul)
USCCB Office for Justice, Peace and Human Development
Organizations:
NCRLC (The National Catholic Rural Life Conference)
NETWORK, A National Catholic Social Justice Lobby
Christian Classics Ethereal Library (emphasis on the Early Church)
Timeline of Art History (The Metropolitan Museum of Art)
History of the Liturgy (Yale)
Smith Creek Music Hymnology (History of Hymnody)
See our Liturgy Links and Liturgy Library pages.
Do you need help singing the Deacon's parts of the Mass? Then check out this website.... The site hosts a great on-line tutorial and you can subscribe to e-mail updates.
This link will take you to the CHA's ethics page; click here to retrieve the Ethical and Religious Directives for Catholic Health Care Services (4th edition) from the USCCB website. The CHA also publishes an ethics newsletter, which is available here.
Commission on Biomedical Ethics From the Archdiocese of Minneapolis-St. Paul. The site includes reference materials as well as links to other sites.
Dictionary of the History of Ideas
The Internet Encyclopedia of Philosophy
Key Ethical Principles (Health Care Ethics)
National Catholic Bioethics Center The National Catholic Bioethics Center (NCBC), established in 1972, conducts research, consultation, publishing and education to promote human dignity in health care and the life sciences, and derives its message directly from the teachings of the Catholic Church.
Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy
See our Preaching Links page.
Catechism of the Catholic Church From the USCCB Website.
Electronic versions of spiritual classics, such as St. Augustine's Confessions, St. Ignatius of Loyola's Spiritual Exercises, St. Teresa of Avila's Interior Castle, and many more...
An on-line library of spiritual classics.
Christian Classics Ethereal Library Hundreds of works listed alphabetically by author.
"Contemplative Outreach is a spiritual network of
individuals and small faith communities committed to living the
contemplative dimension of the Gospel. The common desire for Divine
transformation, primarily expressed through a commitment to a daily
Centering Prayer practice, unites our international,
interdenominational community."
Includes the writings of St. Francis, St. Clare, and St. Bonaventure...
Jesus Christ, the Bearer of the Water of Life A reflection on the "New Age" from the Pontifical Councils for Culture and Interreligious Dialogue
St. Thèrése of Lisieux: The Story of a Soul
Catechism of the Catholic Church with Search Utility
An on-line dictionary of Catholic terms.
Catholic Resources - Prof. Felix Just, S.J. While the emphasis of this site is on the study of Scripture, there are also resources here for the study of the Liturgy and theology in general. There is a very helpful section on official Church documents related to the study of the Scriptures.
While containing some material specific to the Canadian Churches, this website contains excellent research tools in terms of documents from various denominations and the study of Scripture. Includes links to other ecumenical and inter-religious organizations.
Internet Theology Resources, by School of Theology Major Areas General information, Scripture, Systematics, Moral Theology, Church History, Liturgy and Liturgical Music, Monastic Studies, Religious Education, Spirituality, Pastoral Ministry, Spanish Language and Culture
St. Thomas Aquinas: Summa Theologica
A huge "gateway" organized according to subject area: Church, Revelation, Liturgy, Justice, Theology, Morality, Spirituality, Evangelization, and Religion (ecumenism and interreligious relations).
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